Vizsla is a dog breed that has been around since the 15th century. As such, they have developed some health problems. As an owner of a Vizsla, you need to be aware of the health issues to prevent or treat them.
The most common health issue in Vizslas is Von Willebrand’s disease (vWD). This condition affects about 1/3rd of all vizslas and can lead to excessive bleeding during surgery or trauma. Other conditions include hip dysplasia, eye diseases like juvenile cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, and several types of cancer.
This article will cover the most common health issues in Vizslas, their prevention, and treatment.
Are Vizslas Healthy Dogs?
Vizslas are a healthy breed overall, but they have some predispositions to certain health problems and the same common issues that all dogs can develop, such as obesity, dental disease, ear infections, allergies, etc. Therefore, you need to take steps now to prevent these problems from becoming worse or developing.
As an owner of a Vizsla, you should take your dog to the vet for regular checkups and get it DNA tested at around 16 weeks old to be aware of any genetic conditions that may develop later on in life. You should also feed your dog high-quality food without by-products, make sure they get plenty of exercise, and take care to keep their coat clean.
In addition, you should be responsible for your dog’s mental health, which means providing them with many different types of activities such as walks in the park or games like fetch so that it doesn’t become bored too often. Vizslas are very gentle and loving dogs and, as such, are easy to care for.
Is Vizsla Prone To Many Health Issues?
The answer to this question is yes and no. On one side, they have a much shorter life span than other breeds such as Labradors or Beagles. However, on the other hand, they also are more prone to certain health problems such as allergies, joint issues, eye diseases, and bladder stones.
However, on the other hand, Vizslas are typically healthier in general (less likely to contract parasites or get heart disease) due to their long fur and low body fat ratio, which helps regulate temperature better. With that being said, there is still lower immunity against viruses compared with other breeds of dogs. Thus, owners need to be aware of any signs during playtime with friends or even just in the backyard.
What Are The Common Health Issues In Vizsla?
The most common health issue in Vizslas is Von Willebrand’s disease (vWD). This condition affects about 33% of all vizslas and can lead to excessive bleeding during surgery or trauma. Other conditions include hip dysplasia, eye diseases like juvenile cataracts and glaucoma, bladder stones, etc.
Let’s talk about all health issues in vizsla separately.
Von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD)
Von Willebrand’s disease is a bleeding disorder caused by the lack of Von Willebrand factor, making blood clot. As a result, dogs with vWD will bleed for longer than normal and may have nosebleeds during or after surgery. They also tend to be more prone to injuries like cuts and bruises that take longer to heal since they keep bleeding longer.
This condition affects about 33% of all vizslas and can lead to excessive bleeding during surgery or trauma.
Eye Disease
Eye problems are more prevalent due to their long, droopy, and heavy eyelids. In addition, Vizslas have a high chance of developing eye conditions such as cherry eye, dry eyes, and progressive retinal atrophy. Therefore, owners need to keep an eye on their dogs’ eyes and consult a veterinarian if they notice any redness or discharge.
Joint Issues Serious Health Issues In Vizsla
Vizslas have been known to develop hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, OCD, and degenerative myelopathy. The most common condition is Hip Dysplasia, and it is known to affect about 40% of all Vizsla’s. It’s important for owners with vizslas who are at risk or showing signs of joint issues to consult a veterinarian right away as this condition can worsen if untreated.
Allergies
About 50% of the population has allergies, but, unfortunately, this number is much higher for vizslas. Allergies in Vizsla can be triggered by food, dust mites, pollen, and mold. Therefore, owners must keep an eye out for signs of allergies like redness or inflammation around the eyes, paws, or lips while also grooming their dog regularly to avoid the buildup of allergens.
Thyroid Disease
It is estimated that about one-third of Vizslas experience thyroid disease, leading to weight gain and hair loss or thinning. Thyroid disease in dogs most often occurs as a result of an autoimmune disorder. Still, owners need to be aware of the symptoms so they can consult with a veterinarian.
Heart Disease
Vizsla breed is a popular choice for heart disease due to its low cholesterol levels and good metabolism. However, they are still prone to cardiac issues, such as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), leading to congestive heart failure. Therefore, owners must monitor their dog’s heart rate, and if it’s over 220, they should consult a veterinarian.
Hip Dysplasia
This is one of the most common health issues in Vizsla and can lead to arthritis later on in life. Hip dysplasia occurs when there isn’t enough blood supply to support the growth plate, which leads to deformity of the hip joint. Therefore, owners need to keep an eye on their dogs while they are still growing to avoid developing hip dysplasia and other conditions such as elbow dysplasia.
Bladder Stones: Health Issues In Vizsla
About 20% of Vizslas have bladder stones caused by a high intake of calcium from certain foods. This condition is painful and can lead to other health problems, so owners need to monitor their intake of calcium-rich foods.
Kidney Disease
Vizsla breed has a high chance of developing kidney disease due to its genetic history and the fact that they have a tendency towards diabetes which contributes to poor kidney health. Therefore, owners need to monitor their dogs and keep an eye out for symptoms such as increased thirst, urination, or weight loss so they can consult a veterinarian right away.
Ear Infections: Health Issues In Vizsla
About 33% of all Vizslas will experience a form of ear infection, and the most common cause is an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria in their ears. These infections are painful for dogs and can lead to other health problems, so owners must monitor their dog’s ears, especially if they have long floppy ears like vizslas.
Obesity
Vizslas tend to be overweight and obese because they love food. Vizsla’s need at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, three times per week, to avoid weight gain, but owners should also monitor their dog’s diet.
Bacterial Infections: Health Issues In Vizsla
Bacterial infections are one of Vizslas’ most common health problems and can affect their skin, urinary tract, or ears. To prevent this condition, owners should bathe their dogs frequently and monitor them for any signs of infection like redness on the skin.
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is a common condition in Vizslas and can lead to destructive behavior at home. This disorder occurs when dogs are left alone for long periods of time or if they have had traumatic events happen during their lives, such as the owner’s death or being abandoned. Owners must consult with a veterinarian about this issue so they can treat it.
Bloat
This is a painful and dangerous condition that can happen to Vizslas. It happens when too much air builds up in the stomach, so owners need to monitor their dog’s eating habits as well as their drinking habits.
Canine Epilepsy
This condition occurs when there are electrical disturbances in the brain that can lead to seizures. Owners need to be aware of the symptoms to know how to respond if their dog has one.
Skin Issues
Vizsla breed rarely suffers from skin issues, but it’s possible, especially with certain conditions. Such as seborrhea which is a skin condition that can lead to excessive itching and hair loss.
Dental Diseases: Health Issues In Vizsla
Dental diseases are common in Vizslas and can lead to other health problems such as heart disease. Owners should monitor their dogs’ teeth for signs of tartar buildup, gum bleeding, or redness on the gums.
Infections: Health Issues In Vizsla
Vizslas tend to have infections because they don’t have much immune system, so owners need to keep them healthy and monitor their dogs closely.
Cushing’s Disease
This is an illness that can lead to hyperactivity, excessive drinking and urination, and a ravenous appetite in your Vizsla. It happens when the pituitary gland overproduces ACTH. A hormone was responsible for regulating cortisol levels. The most common causes of this disease are tumors or cysts on the pituitary gland.
How To Keep Your Vizsla Healthy? Preventive Measures To Keep Vizsla Healthy
Feeding To Prevent Health Issues In Vizsla
To keep your vizsla healthy, they need to have a balanced diet. They should be fed high-quality dry dog food along with fresh raw meat, vitamins, and minerals. The meat cannot be too fatty or salty as this can affect their health.
To ensure that your vizsla is getting all the nutrients it needs, you may also want to feed them supplements. But don’t overfeed them and remember that too much water is not good either.
Grooming/Brushing To Prevent Health Issues In Vizsla
Grooming is important for many reasons, including preventing fleas and ticks from biting your vizsla or spreading disease to other animals.
It is also crucial for the coat of a vizsla because if there is too much debris and dirt on their coat, it can lead to irritated skin or itchiness.
Brushing is also important for the coat of a vizsla because if there aren’t enough natural oils in the fur, they will not stay warm.
Escape-Proof Backyard To Prevent Health Issues In Vizsla
If you have a vizsla, then chances are they love to run and explore. And that is great because it can keep them healthy. However, if there’s no fence in your backyard or the fence isn’t escape-proof enough for your liking, make sure they don’t get out of the yard. They could end up being a danger to themselves or others.
Regular Vet Visits To Prevent Health Issues In Vizsla
Vizslas should have regular veterinarian visits so they can be monitored for any health issues that might arise. They should also have their teeth cleaned every six months. If there is a chance of them developing any dental problems, they may need to be seen more often than this.
This will help your vizsla stay healthy for many years because it helps you prevent or catch any potential health issues early.
Supplements To Prevent Health Issues In Vizsla
Vitamins: When your vizsla isn’t getting enough vitamins, it can affect their immune system and make them more prone to illness.
Fish Oil: Fish oil is a great supplement for keeping your vizsla healthy because they are high in omega-three fatty acids. A crucial vitamin that many pets don’t get enough of.
Vitamin B12: This vitamin is important for your vizsla’s cells to make energy from food, so it can keep them healthy and energetic!
Physical Activity To Prevent Health Issues In Vizsla
Vizslas are very active dogs, and if they don’t get enough exercise, it can lead to them being overweight. This is not only bad for their health but also their joints. It puts a lot of pressure on them and makes them more likely to develop arthritis in the future.
Exercising with your vizsla can help them stay healthy and fit. One way to make sure they get enough exercise is by not just running around in your backyard. While this might be fun for you and your vizsla, it won’t allow them to explore.
You can also use a treadmill or get an indoor dog walker. Anything that will let your vizsla exercise without getting too bored.
Flea Prevention To Prevent Health Issues In Vizsla
Most vets recommend using flea prevention every month, but this depends on the type of flea treatment you use. If your vizsla has a lot of hair or thick fur, they may have more frequent fleas than other breeds, so be sure to monitor your pet for them.
In addition to using flea prevention, it might also be a good idea to use natural pest control like diatomaceous earth or cedar chips inside and outside your home as well. This can help keep the area free of ants, ticks, spiders, flies, etc.
Puppy Vaccinations To Prevent Health Issues In Vizsla
Vizsla puppies need to be vaccinated with a DHPP vaccine every three weeks until they are four months old. After this time, it is recommended that you switch your pup over to an adult dog vaccination schedule. This depends on the type of vaccines given in their puppy shot. Usually, it’s done at one year or twelve months old.
Nail Trimming To Prevent Health Issues In Vizsla
This is something that you should do regularly to keep their nails short and prevent any problems.
Teeth Cleaning To Prevent Health Issues In Vizsla
Having a vet clean their teeth is important to prevent plaque and tartar buildup. As well as gums becoming inflamed or infected due to the buildup of bacteria in their mouth.
Treatments To Help With Any Health Issues In Vizsla
If we fail to prevent health issues in Vizsla, then we can at least treat them. Here are some treatments to help Vizsla with their health issues.
Doggie Lexapro
you can use this medication for behavioral problems such as anxiety and depression and an obsessive-compulsive disorder in dogs genetically predisposed to it.
Fluoxetine HCL: Many veterinarians will prescribe this medicine for dogs who are suffering from separation anxiety.
Corticosteroids
These can be used in dogs that have allergies or any other type of skin condition. They will help reduce the inflammation in their body.
Knee Surgery
If your vizsla is dealing with knee problems, then there is a chance you might need to have it done surgery. Radiographs can be used to diagnose the problem. But, first, determine what type of surgery would work best for your furry friend. This is often the last resort, but if their knee has been causing them problems long-term, you might want to consider this option.
Flea Medicine
If you notice that fleas are bothering your vizsla or if they have an infestation, then you need to take care of this as soon as possible. You can do this by using either a topical or oral treatment or both.
Parasite Medicine
If your vizsla has worms or another parasite problem, they may have difficulties with digestion, and it could cause other health issues. To treat the issue, take them to the vet so they can create a treatment plan.
Heartworm Medicine
Once you have your vizsla heartworm medicine, it is important that you give it daily or as prescribed by your veterinarian. If not, they could get potentially fatal worms.
Dental Care
If there are any issues with your vizsla’s teeth, it could result in serious health issues with their gums and other mouthparts. For this reason, they need to have regular dental care. This includes brushing at home and going to the vet for an examination every six months.
Pain Medicine
If your vizsla has trouble with any pain, they may need some pain medicine to help them get through their day. You can ask your vet for the best type of medication right for your Vizsla’s needs.
Antibiotics
If you notice that your vizsla is running a fever or has an infection from another cause (biting, licking, or eating something poisonous), then it is likely they will need some antibiotics.
Antifungal Medicine
If your vizsla has a fungal infection, then two types of medicine can help. Antifungals and amphotericin B deoxycholate. Antifungals usually work better for skin infections, while amphotericin B deoxycholate is for fungal issues in the lungs or other organs.
Eye Drops
If your vizsla’s eyes get dry, then they may need eye drops. These can be either artificial tears or prescription ones from a vet that deals with allergies and other issues.
Ear Drops
If your vizsla’s ears have an infection, they may need ear drops. These can be either homemade or from a vet to treat the issue and help with recovery time.
Worm Medicine
If your vizsla has worms, then they may need medicine for them from the vet. This is often in the form of a pill that you can give anally.
Food Allergies
If your vizsla has food allergies, they may need to switch to a hypoallergenic diet if their current one isn’t working well for them anymore. You must consult with your vet before you make the change, though.
Underweight Vizslas
If your vizsla is underweight for any reason (including not being fed enough or if they are a puppy who hasn’t grown into its full weight yet), then you must consult with your vet to find out how to best address this.
Obesity Problems
If your vizsla is overweight, you need to put them on a diet. This might involve switching out their food or using supplements that can help them get the weight off. Diet plans should also have exercise and playtime built-in for the best results.
Hip Dysplasia
If your vizsla has hip dysplasia, you must contact a vet for the best treatment plan. This might include medication or surgery, or both.
Should You Get Your Vizsla Puppies Vaccinated? When?
Yes, it would help if you vaccinated your Vizsla. However, if you are thinking about getting your vizsla puppies vaccinated, it is important to know the benefits and risks of vaccination.
Owners typically vaccinate Vizsla at six to eight weeks old with four shots (doses). The last shot given is a booster called “parvo” because it strengthens their immune system.
But the type of vaccine will depend on your region.
Here are some general guidelines:
- For puppies born in the United States and Canada, vaccinations usually begin at six to eight weeks old with four shots (doses). The last shot is a booster called “parvo” because it strengthens their immune system to protect against parvovirus.
- In Australia and New Zealand, people usually give Vizsla their first vaccination at about five weeks old, with a booster two weeks later. After that, Vizsla needs three shots before they’re fully safe from distemper and hepatitis types A or B (depending on which country you live in).
- Older Vizslas in the United States and Canada usually need only one or two shots to stay safe.
- Older Vizsla’s elsewhere may require three doses annually, depending on their age when you give them the first shot.
Can Vizsla Die From Any Of The Health Issues?
Yes, Vizsla can die from heart disease, Canine Cushing’s Syndrome (hyperadrenocorticism), and Legg-Calve Perthes disease. However, not all diseases can kill your vizsla. For instance, seizures will not kill your vizsla.
Each health issue in vizsla is different and has its own treatment, so it’s important to know the signs of each one. You have to be careful with your vizsla and prevent them from getting any health issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I want you to know that Vizslas are prone to many health problems. Prevention is one way of avoiding them, and knowledge about treatment will help your vizsla live a healthy life.
